| James Montgomery | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1950 |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupations | Musician, composer, arranger, bandleader |
| Instruments | harmonica, Vocals |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Associated acts | James Montgomery Band Allman Brothers Kid Rock Aerosmith Bonnie Raitt Bruce Springsteen Steve Miller Johnny Winter Band |
| Website | jamesmontgomery.com |
James Montgomery (born 1950) is an a US American blues musician, best known as a harmonica player, and frontman of the blues band James Montgomery Band who also collaborates with many other performers.[1] He has also served as president of the New England Blues Society.
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In 1970, while attending Boston University and majoring in English, Montgomery formed the James Montgomery Band. His harmonica playing and stage presence led to the band gaining a reputation within the New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery band was signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.
Montgomery has toured with many artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers and Steve Miller. He has performed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax".[2]
Johnny Winter also asked James to join his Johnny Winter Band, along with Scott Spray and Wayne June for a tour along the US West Coast and parts of Europe. James continues to perform with the Johnny Winter Band when not working on other projects.
Over the years Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members of his band have included Billy Squier, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore (Bo Diddley), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom Gambel, and many others.